Supreme Court Questions Jantar Mantar Stir Site Move, Section 163 Orders And Delhi Police Detentions
The Supreme Court heard petitions challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, examining whether the Centre arrived at the decision with proper application of mind. The government defended the move by submitting that a panel had examined the issue, whilst petitioners argued that alternative sites such as Burari, Ramleela, and CBD grounds are distant, expensive, and have limited availability. The court issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi administration, asking why the stir site was shifted. Alongside this challenge, the bench addressed connected petitions regarding alleged illegal detentions, directing the preservation of CCTV footage and ordering the Home Ministry and Delhi Police to place Section 163 prohibitory orders on record. Notice was also issued over allegations of violence against women journalists and lawyers, with the bench agreeing to consider suggestions for an inquiry committee.